Page 46 of Their Pup to Tame

“In defense of my fern, I’m sure it had help acquiring your errant notes.”

“Sure, defend the klepto-fern. You’ll be singing a different tune when your slipper goes missing.”

“Any fern of mine knows not to touch my footwear,” I said as I pressed my cheek against Phoenix’s chest just to feel the rumble of his laughter.

His arms closed around me, but he hadn’t moved from in front of those photos, and I was beginning to wonder if he had more than a passing interest in them.

“The Shibari artist is named Tristan, and he does demos at Forever Fabulous from time to time,” I said. “Would you like to attend the next one?”

“Definitely.”

“Have you ever been tied up before?” Parker asked, his arm wrapping around me as he joined the hug.

“Not like that,” Phoenix said. “I’ve had someone use a length of chain to pin me to a headboard. I love that shit. But that looks like it took a lot of time to do.”

“Someone add rope and a length of chain to the grocery list, please,” Parker said.

“Are you trying to freak out the cashier?” I asked.

“If that was my intention, I’d have added a lemon meringue pie, rat poison, and coffee pods to the list,” Parker said.

“W-ha…okay, the rat poison is self-explanatory, and I suppose the pie makes sense, so you have something to hide the rat poison in, but why the coffee pods?” I asked.

“Oh, no sir, that pie isn’t for ruining with any rat poison,” he declared. “That pie is to enjoy with the coffee after I’ve disposed of the body.”

“And this is why game night is so interesting with you two,” Phoenix declared.

“We aim to please,” Parker replied.

Tonight that demo Phoenix had hoped for was happening as he slid gracefully to his knees on his pillow, hands resting on his thighs, legs tucked beneath him. I felt his shoulders relax as I rested my hand on one, Parker mirroring me on his other side.Phoenix wasn’t the only pet in attendance, nor was he the only one wearing gear from the shop. I recognized the pieces I’d sold and the people I’d sold them to and was beyond thrilled to see them enjoying themselves in the gear Dorian had lovingly crafted.

When the lights went low, there was a collective intake of breath as the acrobat, Zephyr, came out walking on his hands, doing a full circle around the demonstration space before landing in a full split, waving at everyone. Phoenix added his woofs to the clapping around us, and I heard mewing nearby too and caught sight of a kitty seated on the floor, several feet away from Phoenix.

While he didn’t have a pillow, there was a blanket folded beneath his tush as he sat, stroking his tail, which lay draped across his lap. With how many people had gathered around, it was a good idea to keep hold of it so it didn’t get stepped on. Phoenix’s was a little stub that rested perfectly against the pillow, so no worries about his getting stepped on tonight either, though he did have longer ones we’d have to be mindful of.

The Shibari artist, Tristan, came out with far less flair but all the swagger of a man confident that he could take his time and still not lose anyone’s attention. The raised platform at the center of the demonstration space was draped in fabric and the perfect height that Tristan wouldn’t have to bend in order to tie up Zephyr, who hopped up on the platform the moment Tristan patted it.

I was surprised when the opening notes to “Purple Rain” rolled through the space, especially when the lights created a soft lavender rain effect as Zephyr arched into the first position, one that left him resembling a scorpion. I heard Phoenix gasp whenTristan teased Zephyr with the rope, hips swaying to the beat of the song as he moved around the table.

Knowing my pup’s background, it was easy to see why he was enthralled. The demonstration was pure artistry, and not just the rope part either. The dance was just as big a part of the interaction between them, as Tristan caressed Zephyr with his fingers and the tip of the ropes, waltzing them over his skin to the cadence of the music. Tristan never spoke, while Zephyr only moved in response to a touch or gesture from his partner.

They did three intricate designs while the music shifted from Prince to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and never once did Tristan pay attention to anyone or anything besides those ropes and Zephyr. It wasn’t until Tristan had untied Zephyr the third time that Tristan finally turned and faced the audience.

“Is anyone curious enough to want a corset?” he asked, holding up a length of silver cord.

My pup’s paw shot in the air so fast he displaced my hand from his shoulder when he started waving it around and yipping.

“Okay, pup,” Tristan said, motioning him over. “But bring one of your Daddies so they can help get your chest gear off.”

“You go,” Parker said. “You’re far more familiar with how the pieces go on.”

Nodding, I slid beneath the rope with my pup at my side and took Phoenix’s harness and chest gear off when we reached the platform, while Zephyr slipped away, guided off by their Daddy.

“What’s your pup’s name?” Tristan asked.

“Phoenix.”

“Hi, Phoenix, I’m Tristan. Let’s see about making you a corset.”